The Cult of Christianity: Recent Episodes
John Verner
Hi there, friend. My name is John Verner. I used to be a part of the largest cult in the United States. After studying the Bible, Christian history, and ministry, I set my sights on confronting the problematic nature of white evangelicalism in the United States. In 2019, I published my first book as a first step in addressing the subtle issues of this complex system. This podcast will continue that work under the same title. Welcome, to The Cult of Christianity.
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In this closing chapter of "The Cult of Christianity," we reflect on the journey that has brought us here. The failure of the cult of Christianity is not a matter of lacking faith, but of not stepping back to deconstruct the entire system. I am not ending this podcast because the debate is over, but because the conversation must continue beyond my voice.
Through this podcast, we have refined our definitions, deconstructed and reconstructed ideas, and delved into complex topics. We've met incredible people, learned hard lessons, and pushed the boundaries of taboo subjects. We have been strong, vulnerable, brave, and kind. We kept love in our lives and pursued freedom; perhaps, we found it.
As I bid farewell, remember: don't be a follower or a leader—be free. Live free of any cult that seeks to control, contain, or convert you.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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Join John as he delves into eschatology's chilling and often sensational world. In this episode, he traces the evolution of apocalyptic rhetoric, from its roots in early Christian fear-mongering to its contemporary exploitation by politicians and infamous cults. Discover how these narratives have been manipulated to incite fear and control while examining the enduring impact of these doomsday prophecies on society.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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In this thought-provoking episode, John shares his personal views on spirituality, explores the rich tapestry of historical spiritual beliefs, and exposes how the cult of Christianity fundamentally distorts true spiritual essence. Whether you're a seeker, skeptic, or simply curious, this show offers a perspective on what spirituality free from the distortions of organized religion can look like.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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In this episode, John unravels the Trinity's role as a tool for manipulation among Christian cult leaders. He explores its historical evolution, inherent contradictions, and how it has been used to enforce authority and control. By examining the nonsense of this doctrine, John sheds light on the darker aspects of religious power dynamics.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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In this episode, John takes listeners on a journey through his vivid childhood experiences, filled with confusion and terror, as he grapples with the haunting teachings of hell. He surveys the historical evolution of this concept, from ancient mythologies to modern-day depictions, revealing how religious authorities have used it to control and manipulate. John passionately argues that the belief in eternal punishment is both theologically problematic and psychologically abusive, especially when propagated by Christian cult leaders. Through personal anecdotes and thorough analysis, he exposes the detrimental effects of fear-based faith on mental health and emotional development.
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John wanders through language's fascinating history, exploring its origins and evolution. He unravels the myth of the Tower of Babel and its implications on linguistic diversity, offering critical perspectives on this ancient story. Additionally, John uncovers the ways Christian cultists manipulate language to influence and control their followers, shedding light on the power of words in shaping human consciousness.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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In this episode, John dives deep into the world of Christian apologetics, exposing it as a form of cultic rhetoric. Through carefully examining its historical roots, methodologies, and modern practices, John reveals how apologetics reinforces groupthink and suppresses dissent within Christianity. John takes the listener on a journey through the evolution of apologetics over the centuries, the persuasive techniques used by apologists, and real-world examples of its application in contemporary contexts. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or somewhere in between, this episode promises to offer a fresh perspective on an overlooked aspect of religious discourse.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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John unravels the intricate history of Christian nationalism and its profound influence on modern society. He explores how Christian nationalism has evolved over centuries, becoming almost synonymous with evangelicalism in the United States. Delving into the origins of this powerful ideology, John traces its roots back to pivotal moments in history and explains how religious fervor and national identity have intertwined to shape political and social landscapes. He critically examines how the cult of Christianity can manipulate this ideology to seize control of a nation, revealing the tactics used to exploit faith and patriotism and the dangerous consequences that can follow.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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In this episode, John provides a comprehensive yet concise survey of the entire Bible, exploring the content and themes of each book from Genesis to Revelation. He reveals how Christianity borrows language, rather than interprets these unreliable scriptures, challenging the legitimacy of its teachings. John also examines how modern pastors, aka cult leaders, manipulate the Bible as a tool of control to maintain authority over their congregations. John questions conventional beliefs and offers a deeper understanding of one of the world's most influential texts.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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In this episode, John invites his bestie Lilly to discuss crucial topics that many struggle with but often find hard to talk about. Join them as they delve into the complexities of coping with religious trauma, navigating triggers, and dealing with deeply rooted fears from both childhood and adulthood. Lilly vulnerably shares her personal experiences and recent challenges, while also providing emotional validation to hard feelings after leaving the cult.
Whether you're dealing with your own mental health issues or supporting someone who is, it's important to have resources.
Both https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ and https://www.seculartherapy.org/ can be good places to start.
If you want to follow Lilly, go to https://www.instagram.com/sweetwordswitch/
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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John interviews Shannon Nuszen, a former evangelical missionary turned observant Jew, shedding light on the deceptive tactics employed by missionaries and the cultural disrespect inherent in their approach. Shannon's journey unveils the coercive nature of evangelical missionary culture and the predatory targeting of vulnerable communities
Find out more about Shannon here: https://www.beyneynu.com/
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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John and his journalist friend, Jamal Michel, have a thought-provoking discussion on combatting Islamophobia and confronting Christian extremism. Jamal shares insights on how 9/11 was exploited to perpetuate fear and discrimination against Muslim communities in the United States. Together, they examine the importance of addressing Christian extremism in politics.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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John and Chris wander through the intricacies of friendship before, during, and after their Christian walk. Through candid conversations, they explore how their bond has endured doubt and deconstruction, offering insights on cultivating authentic connections in today's fast-paced world.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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John hosts an engaging dialogue with Darren Slade, a history and comparative religion professor, President of the Global Center for Religious Research (GCRR.org), and Director of the North American Committee on Religious Trauma Research (NACRTR). In this episode, they tackle the complexities of financial incentives in academia, explore the contrasting approaches of critical and confessional scholars, and briefly engage in a spirited debate over whether "woke-ism" constitutes a cult (it does not!)
Join them as they navigate the intricate intersections of academia, belief systems, and the cult of Christianity.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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In this episode, John chats with Cynane about the surge of conspiracy theories and cult-like beliefs within white evangelicalism. They dissect the societal and psychological factors driving this phenomenon and explore why individuals, particularly Christians, are drawn to such ideas. From the allure of belonging to the quest for certainty in an uncertain world, they unravel the complex interplay of politics, cognitive biases, and manipulation.
Learn more about her work at https://takingoffthetinfoilhat.com/
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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John dives into the complex issue of homelessness with comedian and personal hero, Sarah J Ruthless. They unpack the countless societal factors at play. The conversation explores how the Christian approach to helping the homeless is ineffective and insulting. John and Sarah advocate for empathy and systemic change, focusing on solutions prioritizing people's well-being regardless of their ailments. This episode is perfect if you want to understand homelessness better from two folks who have experienced it, understand why homelessness is not an individual's fault, and discover how the cult of Christianity makes everything worse.
You can learn more about Sarah here: http://www.sarahjruthless.com/
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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Can science and faith coexist? Dr. "Fuz," President of Reasons for Believe, joins John for a lively discussion on the intersection of scientific inquiry and theological claims. They dive into whether Christians can be ethical scientists, if science can address the truth of religion, and what evidence, if any, points towards Christianity over other faiths. Plus, they explore the fascinating disconnect between many evangelicals and their own scholars, and if cultish control factors in to all of this.
Disclaimer: While no guest appearance is an endorsement of all views they hold, occasionally The Cult of Christianity will have guests with fundamental disagreements on, in order to engage the other side and/or further allow points to be illustrated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their presence on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them, their statements, or any entity they represent.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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John Interviews Daniella about the Military, Cults, and Christianity: What's the connection?
In this episode, John dives deep into the crossover between cults and military culture with Daniella. They explore the idea of the military as a breeding ground for religious extremism, how Christian nationalism influences military service, and the complex relationship between control, patriotism, and being willing to die for an ideology.
The Cult of Christianity
John Verner
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Join John as he unravels the history of Christmas, exploring its origins and how it is entangled with the cultish tactics of Christianity. In this episode, John discusses their subtle manipulations and provides insights on navigating the holiday season once you've left the cult of Christianity.
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In this bonus episode, John explains the Israel-Hamas bloodshed and its ties to religious allegiance, especially as it relates to Christianity in the United States. John explores the history of "holy wars," narcissism, and the disturbing dehumanization of war. Gain insights into how religious allegiance often serves as a catalyst for conflicts and limits the possibilities of peaceful resolution.
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A Special Free Episode
In this special free episode of Parsing Propaganda, John explores the internalized misogyny, plagiarism, and misinformation purported by Lori Alexander of The Transformed Wife. He reviews and critiques three of her Tiktoks: "The Curse of Emotional Needs," "The Reason Women Began Attending College," and "Living a Cult?"
This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the dangers of propaganda and how to spot it in the wild. It's also a must-listen for anyone who has been negatively impacted by the teachings of Lori Alexander or other harmful religious leaders.
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For more episodes of Parsing Propaganda, as well as two other great shows, Amateur Religious Trauma Therapy, and Church Chronicles, subscribe for just $5 a month! You'll get access to The Cult of Christianity's entire library of episodes!
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Netflix's docuseries "How To Become A Cult Leader" explores the psychology of cult leaders and presents a "How To" playbook for becoming one. The series uses a unique narrative device, employing sarcasm and humor to make the topic more accessible. I argue that the series remains superficial and incomplete. In this critical review, I discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the series, and I interview Radhia Gleis, a friend of the show and a former member of a cult, who was featured in the series.
You can learn more about Radhia and Buy her Book Here: https://radhiagleis.com/books/
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In this bonus episode of "The Cult of Christianity," host John explores the history of the Supreme Court and how it has become increasingly influenced by Christian ideology. He discusses the individual corruption of each judge, as well as the ways in which the religious right has infiltrated the court and influenced recent decisions.
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Join John in this bonus response episode as he reflects on the culturally relevant docuseries "Shiny Happy People." Discover why the series, centered around the Duggar family, has garnered global attention as we explore its effective explanations of the problematic Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). Uncover the accuracy, integrity, and where things could have been improved in the documentary. Don't miss this thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the docuseries' significance in explaining the cult of Christianity.
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Hi there, friend! It's time for the season three finale of the podcast, and it's a 3hr sloppy and entertaining mess.
First, Chris, Lilly, and John take a trip down memory lane, recapping, thanking, and praising the guests from this past season. The Cult of Christianity had some high-caliber and insightful friends this year and it's wonderful to reminisce. All of this is before talking nonsense, showing kitties, and playing some outtakes.
But that's not all - the gang also plays a fun (for John) and competitive game of "Guess these Dungeons & Dragons Bible Characters." Indulge John's nerdiness.
Next, the squad takes a stab at an exvangelical round of "Would you rather?" They hit some hot takes HARD, and realize every decision John makes is just for content.
And finally, a lot of dramatic reading of some of the hilarious, befuddling, and zealous hate comments received from the cultists. Concluding with John's best attempt to make Lilly and Chris cringe to death.
Thanks to you amazing listeners for another great season. Your support means a lot, and The Cult of Christianity wouldn't exist without you. This episode is a lighthearted and fun adventure, filled with plenty of laughs, drinks, and John's attempts to make Chris and Lilly crawl into a hole. So sit back, relax, pour a drink, and buckle up for the finale of another fantastic season!
https://linktr.ee/thecultofchristianity
Instagram: @thecultofchristianity + @sweetwordswitch
Substack: johnverner.substack.com
Website: thecultofchristianity.com
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In this episode, John celebrates the end of Season 3 of the Cult of Christianity podcast and thanks listeners for their support. He announces a podcast party that will drop on May 14th for the finale and takes a mental health break to work on new projects but will still release content for paid subscribers. Season 4 is planned, and listeners can follow the podcast's Instagram for updates. Thanks to listeners, even the hate ones, for helping him turn this project into a career where he finds purpose and happiness.
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In this episode, John unpacks the confusion surrounding the term "love" and the ways in which it can be abused by manipulative groups. John shares his insights on the importance of making love a central mission in life, but with full autonomy, unlocking its transformative power in different relationships. Through his recaps of his personal experiences, poetry, and pontificating, John searches for the true meaning of love and how we can navigate its complexities to create a more loving world.
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In this episode, John has an enlightening conversation with returning guest R Scott Okamoto on the crucial topic of diversity in both church and broader culture. In this episode, they delve into the challenges that Christians face in embracing diversity and the underlying reasons why it can be against evangelicals' self-interest. As they explore the complexities of diversity, they discuss the differences between a diversity of thought and diversity of traits, the challenges of promoting diversity in a capitalist society, and how a lack of diversity can reinforce the status quo.
To buy Scott's book, or learn more about his podcast, go to https://www.rscottokamoto.com/
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In this monologue, John explores the complexities of progressive Christianity. He excavates different problems within the movement while discussing its positive aspects, including its emphasis on social justice and adaptation to the modern world. However, he also points out that the rejection of orthodox Christian doctrine causes problems. John argues that progressive Christianity is still part of the Christian faith, but has not become less cultish merely by its dilution. He gives warnings about the dangers of this movement and urges listeners to understand the nuances of the good, bad, and ugly in progressive iterations of the cult of Christianity.
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This special episode is John’s presentation titled "The Only Stopping Religious Trauma is Journalism" at the Global Center for Religious Research's Atheism E-conference. He discusses the crucial role of journalism in combating religious trauma, uncovering harmful religious practices, and promoting good reporting. The presentation includes award-winning journalism and explores common media missteps in covering religion. Listen on major podcast platforms or watch the video exclusively on Spotify. For more information on the conference and speakers, visit the Global Center for Religious Research's website: https://www.gcrr.org/
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Kit Morgan, trauma therapist and social worker, joins John to explore the ways in which gender is constructed and how it affects our lives. They discuss the binary gender system, gender roles, gender identity, and the increase in legal discrimination recently. They also talk about the ways in which these systems have been used against all marginalized groups.
Kit shares their personal experiences with gender and Christianity, talking about how they were raised in a Christian household and how their faith ebbed and flowed. They also talk about how they came to understand their own gender through multiple "coming out" experiences.
John and Kit offer their own opinions with navigating the complexities of gender within and without Christianity and encourage exploration outside of any cultic control.
If you'd like to learn more about Kit, you can follow their Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kitmorgantherapy/
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In this episode, John celebrates his 13th anniversary of sobriety from self-harm by opening up about his current mental health and his frustrations with the systemic treatment of taboo topics. As a survivor of self-harm, John has faced many challenges in his journey to recovery, including the stigma and shame associated with mental illness. Despite these challenges, John has found strength in his resilience and his commitment to refraining from cutting.
John speaks candidly about his experiences with the cult of Christianity and how it has contributed to his struggles with mental health. He shares his belief that the culture of shame and guilt perpetuated by certain religious groups can damage those already vulnerable.
Throughout this monologue, John offers insights and reflections on his sobriety journey and ongoing efforts to maintain his mental health. He encourages listeners to be open and honest about their struggles, seek help when needed, and be kind and compassionate to themselves and others. He also argues that his personal mental health could have never improved inside the cult of Christianity.
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In this episode, John is joined by Mylee to discuss the concept of suffering in Christianity and how it can be used manipulatively.
Mylee explains that suffering is a fundamental part of the Christian faith, as it is believed to be a means of spiritual growth and purification. John points out that some Christians use the idea of suffering to justify their own complacency in the face of injustice and oppression. They may believe that suffering is an inevitable part of life and that attempts to alleviate it are futile.
Despite these concerns, Mylee and John both acknowledge the positive role that suffering can play in personal growth and spiritual development. They discuss how, when approached with compassion and empathy, suffering can be a powerful tool for building resilience and fostering empathy for others. Even so, this kind of growth seems impossible inside the cult of Christianity.
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In this monologue, John explores the concept of morality and argues that the existence of God is not necessary for morality to exist. John further points out that different cultures have different moral codes, and perspectives on morality can vary exponentially. He also argues that Christian cult leaders don't care about morality, they care about subservience.
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This conversation is uncomfortable for most people. But it's a natural and healthy part of our lives, and every person needs to have these tough conversations—except for maybe cult leaders. Death is a natural, healthy part of life. In this conversation, Callie, a funeral director, mortician, and long-time friend of John comes on the show to discuss death, grieving, and how the cult of Christianity produces much harm through platitudes and denial. If you'd like to follow Callie, her Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/undertake.care/
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this suicide and death are detailed, and/or discussed.
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What does it mean to adopt? Why do people adopt? How have Christians changed the term, and maybe not for the better?
John's friend, Cierra, tells her story of being adopted and provides education and data about who adopts, the systemic problems in the United States, and how the cult of Christianity makes everything worse. If you'd like to learn more about this topic, visit http://bastards.org/
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Scott Okamoto, the host of Chapel Probation, joins best friends, John and Chris, to discuss why we love "secular" music, why it doesn't take a divine presence to create good art, whether art can even be moral, and how the "Satanic Panic Era" might have never ended. If you'd like to listen to Scott's amazing podcast and keep an eye out for his upcoming book, go to https://www.rscottokamoto.com/
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Da’Vannon Hubert, author and podcaster, joins John to share his experiences with drugs and church, as well as how eerily similar they are. We explore the war on drugs in churches, the rhetoric around addiction, and how we can help those struggling. If you'd like to buy Da'Vannon's book or listen to his awesome podcast, go to https://www.sexdrugsandjesus.com/
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This show features "Sexperts," Erica Smith, Melissa Spiers, and Claire Jones discussing the topic of sex and purity culture within the Christian faith. They discuss how shame, guilt, and fear are used against young men and women to keep them from becoming sexually active and educated. The three, plus John, discuss America’s lack of sex education in schools, how our culture promotes sexual abuse, and explore why such a natural part of life is so stigmatized.
If you'd like to learn more about each guest, you can visit the following links
Erica Smith - https://www.ericasmitheac.com/
Melissa Duge Spiers - http://www.melissadugespiers.com/
Claire Jones - https://www.pursueyourwild.com/
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, sexual abuse is mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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Were you shamed for showing more skin? Are you uncomfortable with your weight? Why do evangelicals care so much about your body? In this episode, author Ashley Dunston joins John to talk about body image issues inside and outside the cult of Christianity. If you'd like to learn more about Ashley's work, go to https://linktr.ee/AshleyDunston
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this self-harm and abuse are detailed, and/or discussed.
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In this first "in-studio" episode of TCOC, John's lifelong friend, Jacob, comes on to discuss his experiences at a well-known, wealthy, private Christian school. He explains the positives, the negatives, and the epiphany of freedom to question, which guides his Christian life now.
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Cierra and Lilly join John, to tell the truth about the abuse, the dangers, and the bad religious practices of Christian counseling. Everyone can experience suffering from unqualified and undereducated "therapy" practiced in Christian churches and communities. Ethics of Christians providing healthcare, as well as analysis of evangelicalism, is explored and serious questions are raised about biblical counseling, pastoral care, and whether this concept serves a frightening cult's agenda.
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, suicide, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse are mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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Rabbi Mike opens up a much-needed dialogue between Jewish and Christian communities. Specifically, he talks with John about how Christians misunderstand Jesus, Judaism, and the important difference between Hebrew texts and the Christian Old Testament. If you'd like to learn more about Rabbi Mike and buy his groundbreaking book, go to https://www.rabbimichaelharvey.com/
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Asha Dahya, reproductive justice advocate and founder of GirlTalkHQ, understands the obstacles facing people in need of healthcare. She joins John to discuss why abortion is a human justice issue, the racist history of the medical establishment, and how the cult of Christianity controls our bodies. You can find out more about the work she is doing at https://www.ashadahya.com/
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, sexual abuse is mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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We did it! John invites Lilly and Chris on to the chaotic conclusion of the 2nd season of The Cult of Christianity! Shoutouts, recaps, trivia, hate mail, unvaulted clips, and plenty of drinking, this episode is quite literally for sh!ts and giggles! Video is available exclusively on Spotify! Thanks everyone who listened this season and I'll talk to y'all soon!
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John points out that freedom of religion seems to be a misnomer among Christian cultists.
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John monologues about the various issues of determinism and free, how the philosophical conundrum interacts with Calvinist theology, and why Christians are not predisposed to believe in autonomy.
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John's friend, Fin, shares his wild story of being recruited, "trained," and psychologically maltreated, all in the name of becoming a Christian leader. The story gets more and more shocking as it goes on, and has a terrifying conclusion.
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, torture is mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed. This episode might be especially triggering for those who have experienced military boot camp or other psychologically intense occurrences.
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Lucas shares his unfortunate experiences of conversion therapy while attending Liberty University. John and Lucas zoom out and try to demonstrate how such a torturous practice can be normalized in the homophobic culture of evangelicalism.
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, therapy abuse, sexual assault, torture practices, and suicide are mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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Patrick, long lost friend of John's, stops by to help compare and contrast the structure of the catholic church with the protestant movement. History, clergy, the bible, and general cultural behaviors are discussed, especially in light of the problematic tendencies of American evangelicalism.
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John and Dr. "Fuz" discuss intelligent design, creationism, scientific skepticism, and how all of this relates to Christianity. If you'd like to learn more about Fazale, or buy one of his books, you can go to https://reasons.org/
Disclaimer: While no guest appearance is an endorsement of all views they hold, occasionally The Cult of Christianity will have guests with fundamental disagreements on, in order to engage the other side and/or further allow points to be illustrated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their presence on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them, their statements, or any entity they represent.
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John and Dan joke around and talk about how humor can be really fun, but also really toxic, both inside and outside of church. If you'd like to learn more about Dan, buy his book, or find his podcast, you can go to https://dankapr.com/
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, suicide is mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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From being acquainted, to trauma bonding, to becoming friends, to becoming literal twins, Lilly and John reunite to discuss mental wellness, especially as it relates to their cult upbringing.
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, suicide, death, and spiritual abuse are mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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Author Radhia Gleis comes on the show to describe her experiences in the infamous cult depicted in the documentary, "Holy Hell." She shares the wisdom and education she has received about how Narcissism and Sociopathy operate within a cult context. You can learn more about her and buy her book at https://radhiagleis.com/
You can also watch the documentary through Amazon Prime here: https://tinyurl.com/y3udke48
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, various forms of abuse (emotional and sexual) are mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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Scott, from the podcast "Chapel Probation," comes by to discuss the ins and outs of what makes Christian Colleges toxic and cult-like. Chris and John compare their Moody experiences, as students, to Scott's APU experiences, as a professor. If you'd like to learn more about Scott, or listen to his amazing podcast, go to https://www.rscottokamoto.com/
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On this special free bonus episode of Parsing Propaganda, John reviews Keller's analysis of justice in our modern context. The article "A Biblical Critique of Secular Justice and Critical Theory" tries to argue that the bible is more fair than critical theories are, which John not only disagree with, but passionately shows how nonsensical and problematic Keller's thinking can be.
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Why not add more Johns to the mix? John Follis comes by to discuss his experience in marketing, including a wildly successful ad campaign for a church back in the 90s. The parallels between MLMs, churches, cult leaders, and pastors are all explored in depth. If you'd like to watch John's award winning documentary click here, https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/leaving-god/
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Leslie Montanile comes on the show to discuss the taboo topic of divorce, and how power, love, and religion can complicate the process of a legal breakup. To learn more about Leslie, or to purchase her fantastic book, go to https://asklesliethelawyer.com/.
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John discusses Community (not his favorite TV show) with Rachel L Roberts! How churches fill a void in our society vs how to create your own community is discussed, as well as the subtle nuances of simply getting along. You can find out more about Rachel or buy her book @ https://www.rachel-roberts.com/
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The Return of Janay! John's friend from bible college comes back to discuss segregation inside and outside church. If you'd like to learn more about Janay, or listen to her podcast, go to https://badseminarians.com/
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The Johns discuss The Book of James in scripture and discuss the supposed importance of both faith and good deeds in Christianity. If you'd like to learn more about John Hageman, you can visit https://www.jamesbibleshiddentreasure.com/.
Disclaimer: While no guest appearance is an endorsement of all views they hold, occasionally The Cult of Christianity will have guests with fundamental disagreements on, in order to engage the other side and/or further allow points to be illustrated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their presence on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them, their statements, or any entity they represent.
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John and Stephen discuss what happens after you die, how science and spirituality intertwine, how the Christian cult can misinterpret or mislead about life after death, and what all this practically means for our day to day lives. If you'd like to learn more about Stephen, or purchase one of his many great books, go to https://www.shmartin.com/.
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John's good friend, Mylee, comes on to discuss how purity culture benefits the patriarchy both inside and outside of church.
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, sexual abuse is mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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Hi there friend.
My name is John Verner. I used to be a part of the largest cult in the United States. After studying the Bible, Christian history, and ministry, I set my sights on confronting the problematic nature of white evangelicalism in the United States. In 2019 I published my first book as a first step in addressing the subtle issues of this complex system. This podcast will continue that work under the same title. Welcome, to
The Cult of Christianity.
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Thanks for a good first season everybody! I talk about how the season has been, why I've been absent, and what to look forward to in season two!
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The predatory nature of Christian ministry places conversion as more important than paying attention to other people's needs. I wander through the Christian attitude towards the poor, evangelical's inflated egos, and the confusion of emotional and spiritual needs.
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The biggest weapon the cult of Christianity uses is shame. John explores the ideas of shame, forgiveness, and vulnerability and examines how white evangelicalism hurts people with these concepts. I also just quote Brené Brown and Russell Brand a lot.
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, self-harm is mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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John explores the end points of the "belief in God" spectrum. Topics such as morality, what constitutes as harm, and certainty, are placed under the microscope.
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NT professor and pastor, Douglas Ward, gives John his perspective on how the New Testament is theologically coherent. You can buy Doug's book at https://www.amazon.com/Doug-Ward/e/B07MZDSLQ2/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
Disclaimer: While no guest appearance is an endorsement of all views they hold, occasionally The Cult of Christianity will have guests with fundamental disagreements on, in order to engage the other side and/or further allow points to be illustrated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their presence on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them, their statements, or any entity they represent.
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From the Over the Rainbow podcast, Rachel joins John and Lilly in a discussion about the toxic bigotry towards queer folk, both inside and outside of church. If you'd like to hear more from Rachel, check out https://www.overtherainbowpod.com/
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John and Chris are back at it again. Comparing Christians to Hitler, contrasting their home education experiences, and getting into the particulars that cause institutional abuse.
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Holly shares her experiences and insight about different forms of abuse and how they can so easily happen within the context of the cult of Christianity.
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in the episode, various forms of abuse (physical and sexual) are mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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Cierra joins John in contrasting the practice of marriage in white evangelicalism with historical/cultural practices, what the bible says, and healthier perspectives.
If you have, or think you might have, a bee allergy, go to https://www.beeawareallergy.com
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I let you inside my mind and talk about my mental health struggles, as they relate to white evangelicalism.
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, depression, self-harm, and suicide are mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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Author, Preacher, and 2020 Presidential Candidate, Mark Charles stops by to discuss some unsettling truths. We discuss the white supremacist foundations of both the United States and Western Christianity. Go to https://wirelesshogan.com/ to learn more about Mark and to buy signed copies of his book!
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I deconstruct how money and power work together for cult leaders to establish a classist system in the white evangelical cult. Inconsistencies between anti-wealth language in the bible and pro-wealth propaganda of Christians is pointed out, made fun of, and rebuked.
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Amelia, Cierra, and Lilly stop by to discuss patriarchal problems both inside and outside the American Church.
CW: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. Specifically in this episode, various forms of abuse (physical and sexual) are mentioned, detailed, and/or discussed.
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One of John's best friends stops by to dissect the particulars of Christian music, both inside and outside church doors. Children songs are compared to Hitler youth recruitment and Chris asks you to stop voting for garbage people. Enjoy.
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Navigating the trust issues from sheltered childhoods and toxic fulltime ministry environments is no easy task. Ben recounts his different negative encounters with toxic evangelicalism and vulnerably engages with the emotional impact of broken trust in churches. Check out Ben and his co-host's work at threadspodcast.com
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Imagine this podcast episode is a football game...just kidding. Janay stops by the podcast to talk about her experiences and perspectives on sexism in preaching. I awkwardly sandwich her points with critiques of preaching as a practice in general. Go to https://badseminarians.com/ to hear more from Janay!
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Firstly, sorry for all the odd audio issues. Had to switch mics and have some sort of connectivity issues. Secondly, I explore the connectivity issues of prayer and wander through its pros, cons, and weaponization.
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In this episode, John and Lilly talk about their hair, taking communion, and other quirks of their separate childhoods. Examples of indoctrination, both subtle and obvious, are grieved, joked about, and deconstructed.
You can follow Lilly on Instagram @sweetwordswitch
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In this first episode, I establish definitions, ramble on about linguistic issues, share my backstory, and ask you to buy my book. Consider this a pilot.
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